Graduate school

See also

Research at the Department for Continuing Education

The Department has an active interdisciplinary research community, particularly with respect to public engagement and practitioner-based initiatives which build on the research interests of our academic staff and over 80 research students.

D.Phil in Archaeology

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Archaeology has for more than thirty years formed one of the largest programmes within the Department. The subject has proved a rewarding and accessible area of study that has enabled students to become directly involved in research. At undergraduate level the Department offers a Certificate, a Diploma and Advanced Diploma, and at postgraduate level a taught MSc course in Applied Landscape Archaeology, and a part-time D.Phil by Research.

The part-time D.Phil is assessed by a 80,000 word thesis, and was first offered in Archaeology in 2003. Since then 10 students have successfully completed and 10 are currently studying for the award. The D.Phil programme is overseen by the University’s Continuing Education Board, and admission is online through the University Graduate Admissions Office. All candidates for graduate programmes must also apply for a college place (which is done in the same application) - see 'College affiliation' below.

Supervision is arranged to suit the D.Phil topic, although depending on your topic area, we cannot always guarantee to have appropriate supervision available. It normally involves one or more of the Department's own archaeologists, Dr David Griffiths (Associate Professor/ Director of Studies for Archaeology), Dr Alison MacDonald (Departmental Lecturer in Archaeology) or Dr Olaf Bayer (Research Associate). The Department also has strong links with the School of Archaeology which is responsible for full-time provision within the University; depending on topic, at our request members of the School's academic or research staff may be willing to offer supervision or co-supervision. In the first instance, please consult the D.Phil Programme Director on your proposed topic or chosen study area (see below).

Approved topics of research for the part-time DPhil normally relate to the Department's recognised strengths in landscape, British and professional archaeology. Occasionally other topic areas are approved, subject to an excellent application and supervision being available elsewhere within the university. All admissions and approvals of research topics are subject to the availability of appropriate supervision.

For the D.Phil it is recommended that ideas for topics are discussed in advance with the Programme Director, Dr David Griffiths, (Tel 01865 280764); email david.griffiths@conted.ox.ac.uk (email contact is preferred initially - after which a phonecall or informal meeting can be arranged).

College affiliation

All students studying for a degree (including MSc and DPhil) must be a member of a college. There is single application process to the DPhil programme within which you can specify a college choice. Your choice of college is up to you, and does not affect the academic viability of your application to the D.Phil itself. A number of Oxford colleges accept applications from part-time postgraduates, whereas others do not: please consult the graduate prospectus or enquire with individual colleges. (Even if you are accepted onto the degree, please note that you are not guaranteed a place at your first choice of college).

The Department for Continuing Education has a longstanding link with Kellogg College. The majority of part-time D.Phil students in Archaeology to date have chosen to apply to Kellogg, and many of the tutors and supervisors on this programme are associated with the college. Kellogg has unique expertise in attending to the intellectual, social, and welfare needs of part-time, mature, graduate students. If a college choice is not specified on your application, it will normally be sent to Kellogg if places are still available there.

Libraries and computing facilities

Registered students receive an Oxford University card, valid for one year at a time, which acts as a library card for the Departmental Library at Rewley House and provides access to the unrivalled facilities of the Bodleian Libraries which include the central Bodleian, major research libraries such as the Sackler Library, Taylorian Institution Library, Bodleian Social Science Library, and faculty libraries such as English and History. Students also have access to a wide range of electronic resources including electronic journals, many of which can be accessed from home. Students on the course are entitled to use the Library at Rewley House for reference and private study and to borrow books. The loan period is normally two weeks and up to eight books may be borrowed. Students will also be encouraged to use their nearest University library. More information about the Continuing Education Library can be found at http://www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/conted

The University card also provides access to facilities at Oxford University Computing Service (OUCS), 13 Banbury Road, Oxford. Computing facilities are available to students in the Students'Computing Facility in Rewley House and at Ewert House.

Provision for students with disabilities

The Department’s aim is to treat all students equally and we welcome applications from students with disabilities. Individual student needs are taken into account as far as possible, providing necessary adaptations and assistance within the resources available. For example, if practical work such as excavation or surveying would present difficulties, other types of work can be arranged. If you disclose your disability on your application form (which will be confidential) we will aim to make reasonable adjustment to ensure all academically capable students are able to participate.

If you have a learning difficulty, e.g. dyslexia, there are ways in which the Department can support you in your study. Please discuss with us how we may be able to help you before you start your course. We can refer you to an educational psychologist for assessment, if needed, and aim to have any assistance identified available for you from the beginning of your studies. Financial assistance may be available for the cost of the assessment.

For matters relating to disability or learning difficulty, please contact the Access Officer on 01865 280355 or via email at registry@conted.ox.ac.uk

Who can apply?

Successful applicants will have a proven track record in archaeological study, normally to masters level, and normally with first-class or distinction (or equivalent) as the known or predicted level of pass. It is advisable first to consult the Course Director, Dr David Griffiths, (Tel 01865 280764; email david.griffiths@conted.ox.ac.uk)